POLITICS, n. The science of government; that part of ethics which consists in the regulation and government of a nation or state, for the preservation of its safety, peace and prosperity; comprehending the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals.

GOVERNMENT, n. The exercise of authority; direction and restraint exercised over the actions of men in communities, societies or states.

ETHICS, n. The doctrines of morality or social manners; the science of moral philosophy, which teaches men their duty and the reasons of it.

Thus, issues of abortion and homosexuality, within the Christian realm would deal with an individual's response when faced, personally, with them. They become issues of personal sinfulness, and accountability.

Here, abortion and homosexuality become civil or governmental issues in that they affect how a society deals with the effects of these issues on a community. If a fetus is a human life, then it is within the realm of government to intervene in its murder. If a fetus is not human life, then the government's role is to protect the rights of privacy of the pregnant woman. If a person's sexual expression is of no effect on a community's social fabric, then how individual's choose to relate also falls within the realm of privacy. (See, 10-17-04)

Thus, people (read Christians) whose lives revolve around a worldview based on the place of personal values in every aspect of a person's life, will by default make their decisions on the personal values of those they choose to be in authority over themselves, their loved ones, and their neighbors.

Now, let's be realistic. The chances of someone who has risen to even being considered for the position of President of the United States having a similar background to your average American are pretty slim. (How many of us went to private schools in Switzerland, like Kerry, or grew up with a father who was head of the CIA, like Bush?)

So, instead, we look at what they publicly say are their beliefs, and look for evidence of these beliefs in their personal lives.

And so, many Christians, me included, come to the conclusion that in the strange world of politics, we would rather choose to be led by the man Bush rather than by the man Kerry.

And I will pray for Mr. Kerry; I will pray that the same God that changed MY life when I was a flaming liberal, crying over Reagan's defeat of Jimmy Carter, will touch his heart, guide his steps, and give him the wisdom to lead this country at a very, very difficult time.